Episode Details

St. Hildegard von Bingen, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

• Born: September 16, 1098, Bermersheim vor der Höhe, Germany
• Died: September 17, 1179, Bingen am Rhein, Germany

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss St. Hildegard of Bingen, one of the newer Doctors of the Church, declared so by Pope Benedict XVI. They explore her remarkable life, her profound mysticism, obedience to the Church, and contributions to theology, medicine, and music.

St. Hildegard, often called the “Sybil of the Rhine,” was misunderstood by some as a proto-feminist, but she was deeply committed to the Church’s teachings. Her mystical visions, referred to as the “shadow of the living light,” shaped much of her extensive writings. Pope Benedict XVI highlighted her global vision of salvation history, touching on topics like creation, the sacraments, and the last judgment. Her gifts extended beyond theology, as she composed over 70 hymns and developed a keen understanding of natural medicine, combining her intellectual and spiritual genius to serve her community.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How does St. Hildegard’s example of obedience to the Church’s authority challenge our own attitudes toward submission in our faith life?
2. In what ways can we ensure that we stay true to the authentic teachings of the Church while engaging with figures like Hildegard who have been misinterpreted by secular agendas?
3. How can we, like Hildegard, integrate our intellectual pursuits with our spiritual life, ensuring that both serve the greater glory of God?
4. What lessons can we learn from Hildegard’s hesitancy to share her visions, and how can we discern the authenticity of spiritual experiences in our own lives?
5. How does Hildegard’s vast range of contributions, from theology to medicine to music, inspire us to use our own gifts fully in service to the Church and others?
6. In what ways does Hildegard’s humility despite her vast genius encourage us to approach our own talents with a spirit of humility and service?
7. How does Hildegard’s balance of spiritual contemplation and active service inform how we approach our vocation and daily life as Catholics?

From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI:

APOSTOLIC LETTER

Proclaiming Saint Hildegard of Bingen, professed nun of the Order of Saint Benedict, a Doctor of the Universal Church

1. A “light for her people and her time”: in these words Blessed John Paul II, my Venerable Predecessor, described Saint Hildegard of Bingen in 1979, on the occasion of the eight-hundredth anniversary of the death of this German mystic. This great woman truly stands out crystal clear against the horizon of history for her holiness of life and the